Digital radiographic sensor view capture

ABSTRACT

An apparatus including but not limited to a charge-coupled device(CCD)-array sensor positioning mechanism, the positioning mechanism structured to position a CCD-array sensor to capture a first target area; and the CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism further structured to position the CCD-array sensor to capture a second target area proximate to the first target area, the first and second target areas spatially related such that a first radiographic image recorded at the first target area may be combined with a second radiographic image recorded at the second target area to form a composite radiographic image substantially analogous to a single radiographic image of an aggregate target area covered by the first and second target areas. A related method that includes but is not limited to recording a first radiographic image of a first target area using CCD-array sensor techniques; recording a second radiographic image of a second target area, the second target area proximate to the first target area, using CCD-array sensor techniques; and displaying a composite image constructed from the first and second images.

CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This patent application hereby incorporates by reference in its entiretythe pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/235,159, filedSep. 22, 2000, entitled “DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHIC SENSOR VIEW CAPTURE,” andnaming Steven L. Eikenberg as inventor; this patent application alsoclaims the benefit of the foregoing-referenced Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/235,159 under the auspices of 35 U.S.C. 119(e).

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made with government support provided by the UnitedStates Army. The government has certain rights in this invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The devices and processes described herein relate, in general, to dentalimaging systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

Dental imaging systems are systems that obtain, manipulate, process, andelectronically store and display dental image data. A ComputerizedDigital Radiography (CDR) system constitutes an example of dentalimaging systems.

Non-CDR dental imaging systems traditionally use radiographic film toobtain and capture dental images. Non-CDR dental imaging systems cancapture a number of traditional “views” of a patient's teeth andassociated bony structures. Three such traditional views upon whichdental professionals heavily rely are the bitewing, periapical, andocclusal views.

Unlike non-CDR systems, CDR systems utilize charge-coupled device (CCD)array sensors, rather than radiographic film, to directly obtain digitaldental images. Since CDR systems allow the dental images to be captureddirectly to digital form, such CDR systems effect the “paperless” dentaloffice, in that the images are stored in digital format (e.g., on CD-ROMor magnetic disk drive) rather than film. Readily available commercialembodiments of such CDR systems may be obtained from several companies,such as Shick Technologies, of Long Island, N.Y.; Trophy Radiology Inc.,of Marietta, Ga.; Dexis Dental, of Palo Alto, Calif.; and DentsplyInternational Inc.'s Gendex Division, of Des Plaines, Ill.

CDR systems have many advantages. Examples of such advantages are thatCDR systems do not require radiographic film, nor do they require theprocessing capabilities and darkroom capabilities necessary to developthe radiographic film into a traditional radiograph, nor do they requiretraditional backlit radiographic viewers. However, CDR systems are notwithout disadvantages.

Significant disadvantages associated with CDR systems are associatedwith the extremely high financial and or technical costs associated withthe engineering and production of the CDR-system CCD-array sensors.Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that whilestandard digital cameras use CCD-array sensors, and the cost of suchCCD-array sensors is beginning to come down with mass production, thefinancial and or technical costs associated with engineering andproducing CDR-system CCD-array sensors are now, and are expected toremain in the future, extremely high. One reason for such high financialand technical costs is that CDR system CCD-array sensors require much,much greater pixel resolution than standard digital camera CCDs. Non-CDRradiographic film has resolution of about 14 lines/millimeter (mm).Insofar as CDR system digital images are intended to replace the non-CDRradiographic film images, every effort is made in the industry toproduce CDR-system CCD-array sensors capable of capturing a digitalimage having resolution comparable to the non-CDR system radiographicfilm. At present even though the industry has expended considerablefinancial and technical resources, the average resolution available withCDR-system CCD-array sensors is about 8 lines/mm; thus, currentlyavailable CDR-system CCD-array sensors tend to be very expensive due toexpenditures associated with past efforts to achieve the resolution ofthe radiographic film and continuing efforts to continue to approach theresolution of the radiographic film.

Another reason for the high financial and technical costs associatedwith CDR-system CCD-array sensors is that CDR system CCD-array sensorsrequire much, much greater gray-scale resolution than standard digitalcamera CCDs (each CCD-array sensor pixel has a value, proportional tothe amount of absorbed radiation, which is converted to a grey level).Non-CDR radiographic film, being an extremely sensitive analog recordingdevice, tends to reproduce gray scale shading with extremely highresolution. In contrast, CCD-array sensors, being digital recordingdevices, must produce the gray scale in steps (e.g., 0-264 “shades” ofgray), and producing CCD-array sensors capable or such gray scaleresolution also tends to be very financially and/or technicallyexpensive, for reasons similar to those associated with the high pixelresolution requirement. Yet another reason for the high financial andtechnical costs associated with CDR-system CCD-array sensors is thatCDR-system CCD-array sensors detect X-ray frequency photons, and sincethe energy per photon in X-rays is substantially greater than the energyper photon of visible light, the CDR-system CCD-array sensors must beable to withstand significantly more wear and tear than the CCD-arraysensors used in the standard digital camera; thus, engineering andproducing such rugged CCD-array sensors also tends to be relativelyexpensive financially and/or technically.

A consequence of the foregoing-described cost issues related to CCDarrays utilized in the CDR systems is that CDR systems do not, ingeneral, provide readily available digital images of occlusal viewsbecause of the financial cost and technical difficulties associated withconstructing CCD-array sensors of a size necessary to capture the views.The target area of occlusal views tends to be, on average, roughly fourtimes (4×) the target area of CDR-system CCD-array sensors currentlyavailable. Because of the foregoing-noted technical issues associatedwith CDR-system CCD-array sensors, increasing the size of a CCDnecessary to capture an image within a larger target is not a linearoperation in either financial cost or technical difficulty. Rather,doubling the size of the target area to be captured by a CDR-systemCCD-array sensor could have an associated cost/technical difficultylogarithmically proportional to that associated with the smaller targetarea, while quadrupling the target area could have an associatedcost/technical difficulty logarithmically proportional to thatassociated with the smaller target area. Accordingly, due to financialand/or technical difficulty issues, CDR systems do not generally providedigital images of occlusal views, since the target area of such occlusalviews tends to be, on average, roughly four times (4×) the target areaof CDR system CCD-array sensors currently available.

Irrespective of the foregoing-noted difficulties, as noted above, dentalprofessionals have a longstanding and ongoing reliance on occlusal viewradiographic images. As also noted above, CDR systems have significantadvantages over non-CDR systems. In light of the foregoing, the inventornamed herein (inventor) has posited that if a method and apparatus couldbe devised which would allow the production of CDR-system digital imagesshowing views over target areas which are in the same or differentorientation as currently available images, but several multiples in sizethe currently available CDR system digital image views (e.g., occlusalviews) in such a way that the foregoing-cataloged related-art financialand technical difficulties associated with constructing CDR-systemCCD-array sensors capable of capturing such increased target areas areavoided, such a method and apparatus system would be extremelyadvantageous. Unfortunately, no such method and apparatus currentlyexist within the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventor has devised a method and mechanism which provide for theproduction of CDR-system digital images showing views several multiplesin size of views which may be produced using currently available CDRsystem image technology (e.g., occlusal views), but where the productionis done in such a way that the foregoing-cataloged related-art financialand technical difficulties associated with constructing CDR-systemCCD-array sensors capable of capturing such increased target areas areavoided.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes but is not limited to acharge-coupled device(CCD)-array sensor positioning mechanism, thepositioning mechanism structured to position a CCD-array sensor tocapture a first target area; and the CCD-array sensor positioningmechanism further structured to position the CCD-array sensor to capturea second target area proximate to the first target area, the first andsecond target areas spatially related such that a first radiographicimage recorded at the first target area may be combined with a secondradiographic image recorded at the second target area to form acomposite radiographic image substantially analogous to a singleradiographic image of an aggregate target area covered by the first andsecond target areas.

In one embodiment, a related method includes but is not limited torecording a first radiographic image of a first target area usingCCD-array sensor techniques; recording a second radiographic image of asecond target area, the second target area proximate to the first targetarea, using CCD-array sensor techniques; and displaying a compositeimage constructed from the first and second images.

The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity,simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail; consequently,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary isillustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Otheraspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices and/orprocesses described herein, as defined solely by the claims, will becomeapparent in the non-limiting detailed description set forth herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The devices and/or processes described herein may be better understood,and their numerous objects, features, and advantages made apparent tothose skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an implementation of charge-coupleddevice (CCD)-array sensor positioning mechanism 100, depicted positionedon a dental patient to capture a mandibular occlusal radiographic view.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of an implementation of CCD-arraysensor positioning mechanism 100, depicted positioned on a dentalpatient to capture a maxillary occlusal radiographic view.

FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of how one implementation of CCD-arraysensor positioning mechanism 100 is internally structured to position aCCD-array sensor to capture a radiographic image of one of four definedtarget areas.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of two target areas proximate to eachother.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example of two target areas proximate to eachother.

FIG. 3A shows floor 300 of CCD-array sensor positioning device 400(described in detail below) of CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism100.

FIG. 3B shows a cut-away side plan view of CCD-array sensor positioningdevice 100, wherein shown is an exemplar of pop-up hinges 310, 312, and314.

FIG. 4A shows a top plan view of holder portion 400 of CCD-array sensorpositioning mechanism 100.

FIG. 4B depicted is a cutaway side plan view of side A of holder portion400.

FIG. 4C depicts a cutaway side plan view of side B of holder portion400.

FIG. 4D depicts a cutaway side plan view of side C of holder portion400. Illustrated is that holder portion 400 has an external height of16.5 mm, and internal dept of 15 mm, and an external length of 70 mm.

FIG. 4E depicts a cutaway side plan view of side D of holder portion400.

FIG. 5A shows a top plan view of stabilization portion 500 of CCD-arraysensor positioning mechanism 100.

FIG. 5B depicts a cutaway side plan view of side A of stabilizationportion 500.

FIG. 5C depicts a cutaway side plan view of side B of stabilizationportion 500.

FIG. 5D depicts a cutaway side plan view of side C of stabilizationportion 500.

FIG. 5E depicts a cutaway side plan view of side D of stabilizationportion 500.

FIG. 6A illustrates a top plan view of solid positioning block 600 for a#2 CCD-array sensor available from New Image/Dentsply and DexisCompanies.

FIGS. 6B-6E depict side plane views of solid positioning block 600.

FIGS. 7A-D respectively illustrate views of either a Dexis or aDentsply/New Image #2 CCD-array sensor (the Dexis and Dentsply/New Image#2 sensors are substantially the same size) which can be utilized withsolid positioning block 600 to obtain images (e.g., occlusal images).

FIG. 8A illustrates a top plan view of solid positioning block 800 for a#2 CCD-array sensor available from Trophy Company.

FIGS. 8B-8E depict side plane views of solid positioning block 800.

FIGS. 9A-D respectively illustrate views of a Trophy #2 CCD-array sensorwhich can be utilized with solid positioning block 800 to obtain images(e.g., occlusal images).

FIG. 10A illustrates a top plan view of solid positioning block 1000 fora #2 CCD-array sensor available from Shick Company.

FIGS. 10B-10E depict side plane views of solid positioning block 1000.

FIGS 11A-D respectively illustrate views of a Shick #2 CCD-array sensorwhich can be utilized with solid positioning block 1000 to obtain images(e.g., occlusal images).

FIG. 12 shows a bottom plan view of holder portion 400 of CCD-arraysensor positioning mechanism 100.

FIG. 13 depicts a top plan view of stabilization portion 500 ofCCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100.

FIGS. 14A-D respectively show four different examples of how a CCD-arraysensor may be placed in CCD-array sensor device positioning mechanism100 to capture a radiographic image of four different respectivelyproximate target areas.

FIG. 15 shows an example of how the respective images captured at therespectively proximate target areas of 14A-D can overlap.

FIGS. 16A-16D respectively show four different examples of how aCCD-array sensor may be placed in CCD-array sensor device positioningmechanism 100 to capture a radiographic image of four differentrespectively proximate target areas.

FIG. 17 shown is an example of how the respective images captured at therespectively proximate target areas of 16A-16D can overlap.

FIG. 18 depicts a pictorial representation of a conventional dataprocessing system in which illustrative embodiments of the devicesand/or processes described herein may be implemented.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The following sets forth a detailed description for carrying out thedevices and/or processes described herein. The description is intendedto be illustrative and should not be taken to be limiting.

As noted in the summary, the inventor has devised a method and mechanismwhich provide for the production of CDR-system digital images showingviews several multiples in size of views which may be produced usingcurrently available CDR system image technology (e.g., occlusal views),but where the production is done in such a way that theforegoing-cataloged related-art financial and technical difficultiesassociated with constructing CDR-system CCD-array sensors capable ofcapturing such increased target areas are avoided. Implementations ofthe method and mechanism are described herein.

With reference to the figures, and with reference now to FIG. 1A, shownis a perspective view of an implementation of charge-coupled device(CCD)-array sensor positioning mechanism 100, depicted positioned on adental patient to capture a mandibular occlusal radiographic view.Depicted is CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100 positioned suchthat cord 152 of a CCD-array sensor (which is internal to charge-coupleddevice CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100, and thus which cannotbe seen in FIG. 1A, but which is situated in one of the variousorientations, described below, to capture a radiographic image of adefined target area) exits away from the dental patient's mouth and suchthat the active surface (i.e., the surface that can record radiographicimages) of the CCD-array sensor is oriented such that it will receivex-ray energy from x-ray tube 150 (i.e., the active side faces downwardtoward the patient's tongue). Illustrated is x-ray tube 150 proximate tothe dental patient and aimed in a fashion substantially consistent withtraditional aiming used to capture mandibular occlusal views onradiographic film. The radiographic image can then be captured usingsoftware and/or hardware available from many commercial companies, suchas the imaging systems sold by Dexis Dental, of Palo Alto, Calif.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, shown is a perspective view of animplementation of CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100, depictedpositioned on a dental patient to capture a maxillary occlusalradiographic view. Depicted is CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism100 positioned such that cord 152 of a CCD-array sensor (which isinternal to charge-coupled device CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism100, and thus which cannot be seen in FIG. 1B, but which situated in oneof various orientations, described below, to capture a radiographicimage of a defined target area) exits away from the dental patient'smouth and such that the active surface (i.e., the surface that canrecord radiographic images) is oriented such that it will receive thex-ray energy from x-ray tube 150 (i.e., the active side faces upwardtoward the roof of the patient's mouth). Illustrated is x-ray tube 150proximate to the dental patient and aimed in a fashion substantiallyconsistent with traditional aiming used to capture maxillary occlusalviews on radiographic film. The radiographic image can then be capturedusing software and/or hardware available from many commercial companies,such as Dexis Dental, of Palo Alto, Calif.

As noted in relation to FIGS. 1A and 1B, CCD-array sensor positioningmechanism 100 is structured to position a CCD-array sensor (variousexamples of commercially available CCD-array sensors are describedherein) to capture a radiographic image of at least one target area.With reference now to FIG. 1C, shown is a perspective view of how oneimplementation of CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100 isinternally structured to position a CCD-array sensor to capture aradiographic image of one of four defined target areas. Shown is thatCCD-array sensor positioning mechanism is internally structured suchthat if CCD-array sensor 160 is located at a first position, the CCDarray sensor will capture a radiographic image of a first target area.Depicted is that CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100 isstructured such that if a CCD-array sensor is located at a secondposition, the CCD array sensor will capture a radiographic image of asecond target area. Illustrated is that CCD-array sensor positioningmechanism 100 is structured such that if a CCD-array sensor is locatedat a third position, the CCD array sensor will capture a radiographicimage of a third target area. Shown is that CCD-array sensor positioningmechanism 100 is structured such that if a CCD-array sensor is locatedat a fourth position, the CCD array sensor will capture a radiographicimage of a fourth target area. Also shown is that the distance betweenthe internal surface of holder portion 400 (described in more detailbelow) of CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100 and each targetarea is substantially equal to the “dead space” (or inactive space) ofthe surface of CCD-array sensor 160, which is approximately the portionof the surface of CCD-array sensor 160, near the edge of CCD-arraysensor 160, which does not record radiographic images (e.g., the deadspace of the commercially available CCD-array sensors shown in FIGS. 7C,9C, and 11C, below). Note that while four target areas are shown, it isto be understood that four areas are merely exemplary, and fewer (e.g.,two) or greater (e.g., six) of such target areas can be utilized withinthe sprit of this disclosure, depending upon design choices of themechanism and/or process designer.

In one implementation, the positioning of the four target areas isspatially related such that a first radiographic image recorded at thefirst target area, a second radiographic image recorded at the secondtarget area, a third radiographic image recorded at the third targetarea, and a fourth radiographic image recorded at the fourth target areamay be combined to form a composite radiographic image substantiallyanalogous to a single radiographic image of an aggregate target areacovered by the first, second, third, and fourth target areas. Note thatwhile four target areas are described as being combined, it is to beunderstood that four areas are merely exemplary, and fewer (e.g., two)or greater (e.g., six) of such target areas can be utilized within thespirit of this disclosure, depending upon design choices of themechanism and/or process designer. In one implementation, the images areprocessed using software present in an imaging system sold by DexisDental, of Palo Alto, Calif. In other implementations, Adobe PhotoDeluxe and Microsoft PowerPoint have also been used to process andmanipulate images.

As noted, the target areas are related such that radiographic imagescaptured at the target areas may be combined to form a compositeradiographic image substantially analogous to a single radiographicimage of an aggregate target area covered by the first, second, third,and fourth target areas. In some implementations, the foregoing isachieved by having the target areas proximate to each other. Examples oftarget areas proximate to each other are shown in FIGS. 2A through 2B.

With reference now to FIG. 2A, illustrated is an example of two targetareas proximate to each other. Shown is that the target areas arearranged such that a first radiographic image recorded in first targetarea 202 is slightly overlapping a second radiographic image recorded insecond target area 206. Thereafter, the first image and the secondradiographic image are combined utilizing image processing techniquessuch that they form a single radiographic image of an aggregate targetarea covered by first target area 202 and second target area 206. Inaddition, further shown is the respective positioning of CCD-arraysensor 160, within holder portion of CCD-array sensor positioningmechanism 100, that is substantially necessary to capture first targetarea 202 and second target area 206. Note that, for sake of clarity,although only two target areas and radiographic images are described asbeing combined, it is to be understood that two areas are merelyexemplary, and greater numbers (e.g., four, five, or six) of such targetareas and radiographic images can be utilized within the spirit of thisdisclosure, depending upon design choices of the mechanism and/orprocess designer. In one implementation, the images are processed usingsoftware present in an imaging system sold by Dexis Dental, of PaloAlto, Calif. In other implementations, Adobe Photo Deluxe and MicrosoftPowerpoint have also been used to process and manipulate images.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, illustrated is an example of two target areasproximate to each other. Shown is that the target areas are arrangedsuch that a first radiographic image recorded in first target area 212is substantially adjacent to a second radiographic image recorded insecond target area 216. Thereafter, the first radiographic image and thesecond radiographic image are combined utilizing image processingtechniques such that they form a single radiographic image of anaggregate target area covered by first target area 212 and second targetarea 216, which can then be displayed on a device such as a computermonitor. In addition, further shown is the respective positioning ofCCD-array sensor 160 CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100substantially necessary to capture first target area 212 and secondtarget area 216. Note that, for sake of clarity, although only twotarget areas and radiographic images are described as being combined, itis to be understood that two areas are merely exemplary, and greaternumbers (e.g., four, five, or six) of such target areas and radiographicimages can be utilized within the spirit of this disclosure, dependingupon design choices of the mechanism and/or process designer. Theradiographic image can then be combined and displayed using softwareand/or hardware available from many commercial companies, such as suchas the imaging systems sold by Dexis Dental, of Palo Alto, Calif.

With reference now to FIGS. 3A-3B, illustrated are implementations ofCCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100 wherein the CCD-array sensorpositioning mechanism 100 is further structured to position theCCD-array sensor to capture the first, second, third, and forth targetareas proximate to each other.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, shown is floor 300 of holder portion 400(described in detail below) of CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism100. Depicted is that a CCD-array sensor 160 is movable on floor 300, bysliding, between a first position at which a CCD-array sensor willcapture a first target area and a second position at which CCD-arraysensor 160 will capture the second target area. Depicted are pop-uphinges 310 which retract into the portion of floor 300 in the firsttarget area and which “pop up” when CCD-array sensor 160 is moved intothe second position at which CCD-array sensor 160 will capture thesecond target area; pop-up hinges 310 prevent the CCD-array sensor frombeing moved backwards into the first position and hence minimize humanerror.

Further illustrated are pop-up hinges 312 built into a portion of floor300 in the second target area and which are angled such that when theCCD-array sensor 160 is moved into the second position, pop-up hinges312 are forced to retract into floor 300; shown is that pop-up hinges312 are positioned such that when CCD-array sensor 160 is moved from thesecond position to the third position which CCD-array sensor 160 willcapture a third target area, pop-up hinges 312 will pop up and preventCCD-array sensor 160 from being moved backwards into the second positionand hence minimize human error. Further depicted is that CCD-arraysensor positioning mechanism 100 is structured such that CCD-arraysensor 160 is movable, by sliding, between the second position at whichthe CCD-array sensor will capture a second target area and a thirdposition which the CCD-array sensor will capture a third target area.

Further shown are pop-up hinges 314 built into a portion of floor 300 inthe third target area and which are angled such that when the CCD-arraysensor 160 is moved into the third position, pop-up hinges 314 areforced to retract into floor 300; shown is that pop-up hinges 314 arepositioned such that when CCD-array sensor 160 is moved from the thirdposition to a fourth position which CCD-array sensor 160 will capture afourth target area, pop-up hinges 314 will pop up and prevent CCD-arraysensor 160 from being moved backwards into the third position and henceminimize human error. Further illustrated is that CCD-array sensorpositioning mechanism 100 is structured such that CCD-array sensor 160is movable, by sliding, between the third position at which theCCD-array sensor will capture a third target area the fourth positionwhich the CCD-array sensor will capture a fourth target area. Pop-uphinges 310, 312, and 314 are present so that the likelihood of the humanoperator moving the sensor to the wrong target area (e.g., moving thesensor to take a image of a target already captured) in the wrongsequence is minimized. For sake of clarity, rotation axis of pop-uphinges 310, 312, and 314 are denoted by reference numeral 318. It is tobe understood that the portion of pop-up hinges that “pops up” is theportion opposite rotation axis 318.

With reference now to FIG. 3B, shown is a cut-away side plan view ofCCD-array sensor positioning device 100, wherein shown is an exemplar ofpop-up hinges 310 (and, by extension pop-up hinges 312 and 314). It isto be understood that pop-up hinges 310, 312, and 314 are substantiallystructurally the same, and the three sets of reference numerals used todescribe them in relation to FIG. 3A are used to account for the pop-uphinges 310, 312, and 314 different orientations in target areas one,two, and three, respectively. Those skilled in the art will recognizewill recognize that the pop-up hinges depicted and described are merelyexemplary of the type of devices which will allow motion of CCD-arraysensor 160 in one direction through target areas one, two, three, andfour.

In one implementation, CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100 iscomposed of three constituent parts: a holder device portion, astabilization device portion, and a positioning device portion (whichperform function somewhat analogous to the functions performed by pop-uphinges 310, 312, and 314 of FIGS. 3A and 3B). It is to be understoodthat the foregoing-noted constituent parts are present in oneimplementation, and it is not necessary that all such constituent partsbe present in every implementation. Following are set forth anddescribed implementations of the foregoing-described constituent partsof one implementation of CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100.Also described is how such implementations can be used with variouscommercially available CCD-array sensors.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, shown is a top plan view of holder portion 400of CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100. Depicted is that theinternal dimensions of holder portion 400 are 68 mm×54 mm. The internaldepth (not shown) of holder portion 400 is 15 mm (deep enough to holdthe thickest commercially available CCD-array sensor, discussed below,when sandwiched with stabilization portion 500, discussed below).Illustrated is that side A (one of the 68 mm sides) has two 4 mm slotsto allow a sensor wire of a CCD-array sensor to exit when the CCD-arraysensor is placed in holder portion 400 in order to capture a target areaanalogous to one of the target areas discussed above. Shown is that sideB (one of the 54 mm sides) has two 4 mm slots to allow the sensor wireof a CCD-array sensor to exit when a CCD-array sensor is placed inholder portion 400 in order to capture a target area analogous to one ofthe target areas discussed above.

With reference now to FIG. 4B, depicted is a cutaway side plan view ofside A of holder portion 400. Illustrated is that holder portion 400 hasan external height of 16.5 mm, and internal depth of 15 mm, and anexternal length of 70 mm.

With reference now to FIG. 4C, depicted is a cutaway side plan view ofside B of holder portion 400. Illustrated is that holder portion 400 hasan external height of 16.5 mm, an internal depth of 15 mm, and anexternal length of 56 mm.

With reference now to FIG. 4D, depicted is a cutaway side plan view ofside C of holder portion 400. Illustrated is that holder portion 400 hasan external height of 16.5 mm, and internal dept of 15 mm, and anexternal length of 70 mm.

With reference now to FIG. 4E, depicted is a cutaway side plan view ofside D of holder portion 400. Illustrated is that holder portion 400 hasan external height of 16.5 mm, and internal depth of 15 mm, and anexternal length of 56 mm.

Certain commercially available CCD-array sensors, described below, haveexternal shells which are not entirely flat. For example, some haverounded shells. As a consequence of this, such CCD-array sensors tend torock back and forth when placed in holder portion 400, which can causesub-optimal capturing of images. In some embodiments, holder portion 400is machined to accommodate the rounded shells of certain CCD-arraysensors, thereby rendering such rounded shells stable. However, inanother embodiment, CCD-array sensor positioning device 100 includes astabilization portion which is such that it “sandwiches” down ontoholder portion 400 in a way such that an inner surface of thestabilization portion impinges upon the surface of a CCD-array sensor inholder portion 400 such that a CCD-array sensor is held stable in holderportion 400.

With reference now to FIG. 5A, shown is a top plan view of stabilizationportion 500 of CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100. Stabilizationportion 500 is designed to sandwich onto holder portion 400.Accordingly, depicted is that the internal dimensions of stabilizationportion 500 are 70.2 mm×56.2 mm (just big enough to fit over holderportion 400, with a small bit of play, or slack). The internal depth(not shown) of stabilization portion 500 is 15 mm (deep enough to holdthe thickest commercially available CCD-array sensor, discussed below,when stabilization portion 500 is sandwiched down onto holder portion400). Illustrated is that side A (one of the 70.2 mm sides) has two 4 mmslots to allow a sensor wire of a CCD-array sensor to exit when theCCD-array sensor is placed in holder portion 400 in order to capture atarget area analogous to one of the target areas discussed above; the 4mm slots of side A are positioned such that when stabilization portion500 is sandwiched onto holder portion 400, the 4 mm slots of side A ofstabilization portion 500 and side A of holder portion 400 aresubstantially aligned. Shown is that side B (one of the 56.2 mm sides)has two 4 mm slots to allow the sensor wire of a CCD-array sensor toexit when a CCD-array sensor is placed in holder portion 400 in order tocapture a target area analogous to one of the target areas discussedabove; the 4 mm slots of side B are positioned such that whenstabilization portion 500 is sandwiched onto holder portion 400, the 4mm slots of side B of stabilization portion 500 and side holder portion400 are substantially aligned.

With reference now to FIG. 5B, depicted is a cutaway side plan view ofside A of stabilization portion 500. Illustrated is that stabilizationportion 500 has an external height of 16.5 mm, and internal depth of 15mm, and an external length of 71.2 mm. The slots shown in side A ofstabilization portion 500 are such that they align with the slots ofside A of holder portion 400 when stabilization portion 500 issandwiched onto holder portion 400.

With reference now to FIG. 5C, depicted is a cutaway side plan view ofside B of stabilization portion 500. Illustrated is that stabilizationportion 500 has an external height of 16.5 mm, an internal depth of 15mm, and an external length of 57.2 mm. The slots shown in side B ofstabilization portion 500 are such that they align with the slots ofside B of holder portion 400 when stabilization portion 500 issandwiched onto holder portion 400.

With reference now to FIG. 5D, depicted is a cutaway side plan view ofside C of stabilization portion 500. Illustrated is that stabilizationportion 500 has an external height of 16.5 mm, and internal dept of 15mm, and an external length of 71.2 mm.

With reference now to FIG. 5E, depicted is a cutaway side plan view ofside D of stabilization portion 500. Illustrated is that stabilizationportion 500 has an external height of 16.5 mm, and internal depth of 15mm, and an external length of 57.2 mm.

Many implementations exist whereby holder portion 400 (and stabilizationportion 500, should stabilization be necessary) of CCD-array sensorpositioning mechanism 100 can be utilized with implementations ofpositioning devices keyed to several commercially available CCD-arraysensors. A few of these implementations will now be described.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, illustrated is a top plan view of solidpositioning block 600 for a #2 CCD-array sensor available from NewImage/Dentsply and Dexis Companies. Shown is that positioning block 600has dimensions such that positioning block 600 will fit snugly withinthe interior dimensions of holder portion 400 and then accept a39.3×29.5 mm sensor into the space of holder portion 400 such that aradiographic image of a first target area may be obtained. Notice thatpositioning block 600 can be flipped along its vertical and horizontalaxis such that a CCD-array sensor can be repeatedly positioned withinthe interior of holder portion 400 such that radiographic images fromfour different target areas can be captured. Shown is that eight legs(or supports) 602 extend through solid positioning device 600.

With reference now to FIGS. 6B-6E, depicted are side plan views of solidpositioning block 600. Depicted are the dimensions and locations of theeight legs (or supports) 602 which extend through solid positioningdevice 600. Legs 602 provide support such that a cord of a Dexis #2 CCDarray sensor (e.g., see FIGS. 7B, 7D) will not become trapped but canmove easily under positioning device 600. Other embodiments arecontemplated wherein a lip, or ledge, is placed around the interior ofholder portion 400 where the lip essentially supports a leglessimplementation of positioning block 600, the lip essentially performingthe functions performed by legs 602 in the implementation of positioningblock 600 shown in FIGS. 6A-6E.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-D, respectively illustrated are views ofeither a Dexis or a Dentsply/New Image #2 CCD-array sensor (the Dexisand Dentsply/New Image #2 sensors are substantially the same size) whichcan be utilized with solid positioning block 600 to obtain images (e.g.,occlusal images). FIG. 7A shows a top plan view of a Dexis #2 CCD-arraysensor having dimensions 39.3 mm×29.5 mm. FIG. 7B shows a bottom planview of a Dexis #2 CCD-array sensor showing how a cord connects to thesensor. FIG. 7C shows a top plan view of a target area, at which aradiographic image can be captured, of a Dexis #2 CCD-array sensorhaving dimensions 39.3 mm×29.5 mm, where the target area (or imagecapture area) is shown to be 32 mm×25.6 mm. FIG. 7D shows a side view ofa Dexis #2 sensor; notice that where the cord connects to the sensorgives rise to a rounded area, which is one reason why stabilizationportion 500, described above, is sometimes necessary to stabilizesensors held in CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100.

In addition to the forgoing described implementations for the Dexis (orDentsply/New Image) #2 CCD-array sensor, other implementations for othercommercially available CCD-array sensors have been devised. Theseimplementations are described below.

With reference now to FIG. 8A, illustrated is a top plan view of solidpositioning block 800 for a #2 CCD-array sensor available from TrophyCompany. Shown is that positioning block 800 has dimensions such thatpositioning block 800 will fit snugly within the interior dimensions ofholder portion 400 and then accept a 45×36.1 mm sensor into the space ofholder portion 400 such that a radiographic image of a first target areamay be obtained. Notice that positioning block 800 can be flipped alongits vertical and horizontal axis such that a CCD-array sensor can berepeatedly positioned within the interior of holder portion 400 suchthat radiographic images from four different target areas can becaptured. Shown is that eight legs (or supports) 802 extend throughsolid positioning device 800.

With reference now to FIGS. 8B-8E, depicted are side plan views of solidpositioning block 800. Depicted are the dimensions and locations of theeight legs (or supports) 802 which extend through solid positioningdevice 800. Legs 802 provide support such that a cord of a Trophy #2 CCDarray sensor (e.g., see FIGS. 9B, 9D) will not become trapped but canmove easily under positioning device 800. Other embodiments arecontemplated wherein a lip, or ledge, is placed around the interior ofholder portion 400 where the lip essentially supports a leglessimplementation of positioning block 800, the lip essentially performingthe functions performed by legs 802 in the implementation of positioningblock 800 shown in FIGS. 8A-8E.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-D, respectively illustrated are views of aTrophy #2 CCD-array sensor which can be utilized with solid positioningblock 800 to obtain images (e.g., occlusal images). FIG. 9A shows a topplan view of a Trophy #2 CCD-array sensor having dimensions 45 mm×36.1mm. FIG. 9B shows a bottom plan view of a Trophy #2 CCD-array sensorshowing where a cord connects to the sensor. FIG. 9C shows a top planview of a target area, at which a radiographic image can be captured, ofa Trophy #2 CCD-array sensor having dimensions 45 mm× 36.1 mm, where thetarget area (or image capture area) is shown to be 35.9 mm× 26.5 mm.FIG. 9D shows a side view of a Trophy #2 sensor; notice that where thecord connects to the sensor gives rise to a rounded area, which is onereason why stabilization portion 500, described above, is sometimesnecessary to stabilize the sensors held in CCD-array sensor positioningmechanism 100.

With reference now to FIG. 10A, illustrated is a top plan view of solidpositioning block 1000 for a #2 CCD-array sensor available from ShickCompany. Shown is that positioning block 1000 has dimensions such thatpositioning block 1000 will fit snugly within the interior dimensions ofholder portion 400 and then accept a 43×29 mm sensor into the space ofholder portion 400 such that a radiographic image of a first target areamay be obtained. Notice that positioning block 1000 can be flipped alongits vertical and horizontal axis such that a CCD-array sensor can berepeatedly positioned within the interior of holder portion 400 suchthat radiographic images from four different target areas can becaptured. Shown is that eight legs (or supports) 1002 extend throughsolid positioning device 1000.

With reference now to FIGS. 10B-10E, depicted are side plan views ofsolid positioning block 1000. Depicted are the dimensions and locationsof the eight legs (or supports) 102 which extend through solidpositioning device 800. Legs 1002 provide support such that a cord of aTrophy #2 CCD array sensor (e.g., see FIGS. 11B, 11D) will not becometrapped but can move easily under positioning device 1000. Otherembodiments are contemplated wherein a lip, or ledge, is placed aroundthe interior of holder portion 400 where the lip essentially supports alegless implementation of positioning block 1000, the lip essentiallyperforming the functions performed by legs 1002 in the implementation ofpositioning block 1000 shown in FIGS. 10A-10E.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-D, respectively illustrated are views of aShick #2 CCD-array sensor which can be utilized with solid positioningblock 1000 to obtain images (e.g., occlusal images). FIG. 11A shows atop plan view of a Shick #2 CCD-array sensor having dimensions 43 mm×29mm. FIG. 11B shows a bottom plan view of a Shick #2 CCD-array sensorshowing where a cord connects to the sensor. FIG. 11C shows a top planview of a target area, at which a radiographic image can be captured, ofa Shick #2 CCD-array sensor having dimensions 43×29 mm, where the targetarea (or image capture area) is shown to be 36.56 mm×25.2 mm. FIG. 11Dshows a side plan view of a Shick #2 sensor; notice that where the cordconnects to the sensor gives rise to a rounded area, which is one reasonwhy stabilization portion 500, described above, is sometimes necessaryto stabilize the sensors held in CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism100.

Once holder portion 400 and stabilization portion 500 have beensandwiched together, the composite structure can be used to captureradiographic images in fashions such as were shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B,above. Insofar as it is desired to take multiple radiographic images oftarget areas substantially proximate to each other, it is necessary tosomehow stabilize CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100 in apatient's mouth such that the multiple images are taken in substantiallythe same location relative to each other.

In one implementation, the multiple images are taken in substantiallythe same location relative to each other by affixing a portion ofCCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100 in the mouth. That is, in oneimplementation the dentist checks for the fit of stabilization portion500 on the patient's maxillary arch, with the CCD-array sensorpositioning mechanism 100 oriented such that the slot for the sensorwire will exit toward the anterior of the patient's mouth through theslots on either side A or side B. Thereafter, the dentist injects aflexible fast set Polyvinysiloxane (PVS)—a substance typically used totake dental impressions—along the maxillary or mandibular occlusalsurface, places stabilization portion 500 on the arch, and holdsstabilization portion 500 steady with finger pressure until the PVS hasset. Once the PVS has set, the dentist then removes and then removesstabilization portion 500 from the patient's mouth.

Thereafter, since the PVS essentially has a dental impression of thepatient's maxillary or mandibular arch, stabilization portion 500 can beremoved from and then subsequently replaced to the patient's maxillaryarch, and the dental impression taken will insure that the CCD-arraysensor positioning mechanism 100 returns to a repeatable position in themouth. Consequently, once the PVS impression has been obtained,CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100 can be inserted and removedfrom the mouth the number of times necessary to capture the number ofradiographic images of the target areas necessary to construct acomposite image of interest. A similar set of operations is also done toobtain a mandibular view, but holder portion 400 will be the portion towhich PVS is applied and used to take a dental impression of thepatient's mandibular arch.

In one implementation, the ability to obtain the foregoing-describeddental impressions is enhanced by the external structures of holderdevice 400 and stabilization device 500. Implementations of suchexternal structures will now be described.

Referring now to FIG. 12, shown is a bottom plan view of holder portion400 of CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100. Depicted is that theexternal structure of the bottom of holder portion 400 is formed to havea grid structure wherein each grid element is 2 mm wide, 2 mm long, and1 mm deep. This grid structure allows the PVS to adhere well to holderportion 400.

With reference now to FIG. 13, depicted is a top plan view ofstabilization portion 500 of CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism 100.Depicted is that the external structure of the top of stabilizationportion 500 is formed to have a grid structure wherein each grid elementis 2 mm wide, 2 mm long, and 1 mm deep. This grid structure allows thePVS to adhere well to stabilization portion 500.

With reference now to FIGS. 14A-D, respectively shown are four differentexamples of how a CCD-array sensor may be placed in CCD-array sensordevice positioning mechanism 100 to capture a radiographic image of fourdifferent respectively proximate target areas. The four different targetareas are not explicitly shown, but each target area is to be understoodto equate to the image capture area of the CCD-array sensor such as wasdescribed for the CCD-array sensors shown in FIGS. 7C, 9C, and 11C.

Referring now to FIG. 15, shown is an example of how the respectiveimages captured at the respectively proximate target areas of 14A-D canoverlap. The overlapping images can then be processed with imageprocessing software as described above in order to create a compositeimage of the aggregate area covered by the respective target areas.

With reference now to FIGS. 16A-16D, respectively shown are fourdifferent examples of how a CCD-array sensor may be placed in CCD-arraysensor device positioning mechanism 100 to capture a radiographic imageof four different respectively proximate target areas. The fourdifferent target areas are not explicitly shown, but each target area isto be understood to equate to the image capture area of the CCD-arraysensor such as was described for the CCD-array sensors shown in FIGS.7C, 9C, and 11C.

Referring now to FIG. 17, shown is an example of how the respectiveimages captured at the respectively proximate target areas of 16A-16Dcan overlap. The overlapping images can then be processed with imageprocessing software as described above in order to create a compositeimage of the aggregate area covered by the respective target areas.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the state of the art hasprogressed to the point where there is little distinction left betweenhardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; the use ofhardware or software is generally a design choice representing cost vs.efficiency tradeoffs. The foregoing detailed description has set forthvarious embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of blockdiagrams, flowcharts, and examples. Insofar as such block diagrams,flowcharts, and examples contain one or more functions and/oroperations, it will be understood as notorious by those within the artthat each function and/or operation within such block diagrams,flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/orcollectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or anycombination thereof. In one embodiment, the devices and/or processesdescribed herein may be implemented via Application Specific IntegratedCircuits (ASICs). However, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can beequivalently implemented in standard Integrated Circuits, as a computerprogram running on a computer, as firmware, or as virtually anycombination thereof and that designing the circuitry and/or writing thecode for the software or firmware would be well within the skill of oneof ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of thedevices and/or processes described herein are capable of beingdistributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that anillustrative embodiment of the devices and/or processes described hereinapplies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearingmedia used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signalbearing media include but are not limited to the following: recordabletype media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digitaltape, and transmission type media such as digital and analoguecommunication links using TDM or IP based communication links (e.g.,packet links).

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious embodiments described herein which can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed ofvarious types of “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein“electrical circuitry” includes but is not limited to electricalcircuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electricalcircuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitryhaving at least one application specific integrated circuit, electricalcircuitry forming a general purpose computing device configurable by acomputer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configurable by acomputer program or a microprocessor configurable by a computerprogram), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., any andall forms of random access memory), and electrical circuitry forming acommunications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, oroptical-electrical equipment).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto describe devices and/or processes in the fashion set forth above, andthereafter use standard engineering practices to integrate suchdescribed devices and/or processes into data processing systems. Thatis, the devices and/or processes described above can be integrated intodata processing system via a reasonable amount of experimentation. FIG.18 shows an example representation of a data processing system intowhich the described devices and/or processes may be implemented with areasonable amount of experimentation.

With reference now to FIG. 18, depicted a pictorial representation of aconventional data processing system in which illustrative embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes described herein may be implemented. Itshould be noted that a graphical user interface systems (e.g., MicrosoftWindows 98 or Microsoft Windows NT operating systems) and methods can beutilized with the data processing system depicted in FIG. 18. Dataprocessing system 1820 is depicted which includes system unit housing1822, video display device 1824, keyboard 1826, mouse 1828, andmicrophone 1848. Further illustrated is that CCD-sensor 160 connects toa port (not shown) of data processing system 1820, such as a serial portor a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. Data processing system 1820 may beimplemented utilizing any suitable computer such as a DELL portablecomputer system, a product of Dell Computer Corporation, located inRound Rock, Tex.; Dell is a trademark of Dell Computer Corporation.

The foregoing described embodiments depict different componentscontained within, or connected with, different other components. It isto be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary,and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented whichachieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangementof components to achieve the same functionality is effectively“associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, anytwo components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality canbe seen as “associated with” each other such that the desiredfunctionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedialcomponents. Likewise, any two components so associated can also beviewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to eachother to achieve the desired functionality.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that,based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from this invention and its broader aspects and,therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope allsuch changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scopeof this invention. For example, the height dimension of either or bothholder portion 400 and stabilization portion 500 of CCD-array sensorpositioning mechanism 100 can be varied (e.g., increased or decreased)should commercial venders begin making thinner or thicker CCD-arraysensors than those discussed herein. Furthermore, it is to be understoodthat the invention is solely defined by the appended claims. It will beunderstood by those within the art that if a specific number of anintroduced claim element is intended, such an intent will be explicitlyrecited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no suchintent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, thefollowing appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases“at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim elements. However,the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that theintroduction of a claim element by the indefinite articles “a” or “an”limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element toinventions containing only one such element, even when the same claimincludes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” andindefinite articles such as “a” or “an”; the same holds true for the useof definite articles used to introduce claim elements. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim element is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two elements,” without other modifiers,typically means at least two elements, or two or more elements).

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a charge-coupleddevice(CCD)-array sensor positioning mechanism, said positioningmechanism structured to position a CCD-array sensor to capture a firsttarget area; and said CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism furtherstructured to position the CCD-array sensor to capture a second targetarea proximate to the first target area, the first and second targetareas spatially related such that a first radiographic image recorded atthe first target area may be combined with a second radiographic imagerecorded at the second target area to form a composite radiographicimage substantially analogous to a single radiographic image of anaggregate target area covered by the first and second target areas andthe first and second target areas substantially co-extensive with atleast a part of an occlusal view radiographic image.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second target areas spatially relatedsuch that a first radiographic image recorded at the first target areamay be combined with a second radiographic image recorded at the secondtarget area to form a composite radiographic image substantiallyanalogous to a single radiographic image of an aggregate target areacoveted by the first and second target areas further comprises: thefirst target area proximate to the second target area.
 3. The apparatusof claim 2, wherein the first target area proximate to the second targetarea further comprises: the first target area substantially adjacent tothe second target area.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the firsttarget area proximate to the second target area further comprises: thefirst target area overlapping the second target area.
 5. The apparatusof claim 1, where in said CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism furtherstructured to position the CCD-array sensor to capture a second targetarea proximate to the first target area further comprises: saidCCD-array sensor positioning mechanism structured such that at least oneCCD-array sensor is movable between a first position at which theCCD-array sensor will capture the first target area and a secondposition at which the CCD-array sensor will capture the second targetarea.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said CCD-array sensorpositioning mechanism structured such that at least one CCD-array sensoris movable between a first position at which the CCD-array sensor willcapture the first target area and a second position at which theCCD-array sensor will capture the second target area further includes:the at least one CCD-array sensor slidable between the first and secondpositions.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said CCD-array sensorpositioning mechanism includes an impressionable portion to provide arepeatable position.
 8. An apparatus comprising: a charge-coupled device(CCD)-array sensor positioning mechanism, said positioning mechanismstructured to position a CCD-array sensor to capture a first targetarea; and said CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism further structuredto position the CCD-array sensor to capture a second target areaproximate to the first target area, the first and second target areasspatially related such that a first radiographic image recorded at thefirst target area may be combined with a second radiographic imagerecorded at the second target area to form a composite radiographicimage substantially analogous to a single radiographic image of anaggregate target area covered by the first and second target areas,wherein said CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism further structuredto position the CCD-array sensor to capture the second target areaproximate to the first target area further comprises said CCD-arraysensor positioning mechanism structured such that at least one CCD-arraysensor is movable between a first position at which the CCD-array sensorwill capture the first target area and a second position at which theCCD-array sensor will capture the second target area, wherein saidCCD-array sensor positioning mechanism structured such that the at leastone CCD-array sensor is movable between the first position at which theCCD-array sensor will capture the first target area and the secondposition at which the CCD-array sensor will capture the second targetarea further includes said CCD-array sensor positioning mechanismstructured such that the at least one CCD-array sensor is movablebetween the first and second positions in substantially only onedirection.
 9. An apparatus comprising: a charge-coupleddevice(CCD)-array sensor positioning mechanism, said positioningmechanism structured to position a CCD-array sensor to capture a firsttarget area; and said CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism furtherstructured to position the CCD-array sensor to capture a second targetarea proximate to the first target area, the first and second targetareas spatially related such that a first radiographic image recorded atthe first target area may be combined with a second radiographic imagerecorded at LILC second target area to form a composite radiographicimage substantially analogous to a single radiographic image of anaggregate target area covered by the first and second target areas,wherein said CCD-array sensor positioning mechanism further structuredto position the CCD-array sensor to capture the second target areaproximate to the first target area further comprises said CCD-arraysensor positioning mechanism structured such that at least one CCD-arraysensor is movable between a first position at which the CCD-array sensorwill capture the first target area and a second position at which theCCD-array sensor will capture the second target area, wherein saidCCD-array sensor positioning mechanism structured such that the at leastone CCD-array sensor is movable between the first position at which theCCD-array sensor will capture the first target area and the secondposition at which the CCD-array sensor will capture the second targetarea further includes at least one CCD-array sensor positioning blockflipable between the first and second positions.
 10. A methodcomprising: recording a first radiographic image of a first target areausing a portion of a CCD-array; recording a second radiographic image ofa second target area, said second target area proximate to said firsttarget area, using the portion of the CCD-array; and displaying acomposite image constructed from the first and second images, whereinsaid displaying further comprises producing a composite radiographicimage substantially analogous to a single radiographic image of anaggregate target area covered by the first and second target areas,wherein said producing further comprises producing a compositeradiographic image substantially analogous to a single radiographicimage of at least a part of an occlusal view radiographic image.
 11. Amethod comprising: recording a first radiographic image of a firsttarget area using a portion of a CCD-array; recording a secondradiographic image of a second target area, said second target areaproximate to said first target area, using the portion of the CCD-array;and displaying a composite image constructed from the first and secondimages, wherein said displaying further comprises producing a compositeradiographic image substantially analogous to a single radiographicimage of an aggregate target area covered by the first and second targetareas, wherein said producing further comprises producing a compositeradiographic image substantially analogous to a single radiographicimage of at least a part of an periapical view radiographic image.
 12. Amethod comprising: recording a first radiographic image of a firsttarget area using a portion of a CCD-array; recording a secondradiographic image of a second target area, said second target areaproximate to said first target area, using the portion of the CCD-array;and displaying a composite image constructed from the first aid secondimages, wherein said displaying further comprises producing a compositeradiographic image substantially analogous to a single radiographicimage of an aggregate target area covered by the first and second targetareas, wherein said producing further comprises producing a compositeradiographic image substantially analogous to a single radiographicimage of at least a part of an bitewing view radiographic image.
 13. Anapparatus comprising: a charge-coupled device(CCD)-array sensorpositioning mechanism, said positioning mechanism structured to positiona CCD-array sensor to capture a first target area, and said CCD-arraysensor positioning mechanism further structured to position theCCD-array sensor to capture a second target area proximate to the firsttarget area, the first and second target areas spatially related suchthat a first radiographic image recorded at the first target area may becombined with a second radiographic image recorded at the second targetarea to form a composite radiographic image substantially analogous to asingle radiographic image of an aggregate target area covered by thefirst and second target areas, wherein the first and second target areasare substantially co-extensive with at least a part of an occlusal viewradiographic image.
 14. A method comprising: recording a firstradiographic image of a first target area using, CCD-array sensortechniques; recording a second radiographic image of a second targetarea, said second target area proximate to said first target area, usingCCD-array sensor techniques; and displaying a composite imageconstructed from the first and second images, wherein said displaying acomposite image comprises producing a composite radiographic imagesubstantially analogous to a single radiographic image of at least apart of an occlusal view radiographic image.